By Ayman Adly/Staff Reporter
Limiting the fight against terrorism to military intervention would not be as effective as a comprehensive strategy to curb corruption, which in turn would help combat terrorism, HE the Attorney General Dr Ali bin Fetais al-Marri stressed yesterday.
Heading a seminar on the role of anti-corruption laws in combating terrorism, organised by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Centre (RLACC), HE Dr al-Marri pointed out that corruption usually leads to the spread of terrorism. For, when people do not have access to justice through official means, they become easy prey for terrorist groups that exploit their frustrations.
Attendees at the seminar included Awn al-Khasawneh, former prime minister of Jordan; Micheline Calmy-Rey, former Swiss president; Baroness Scotland of Asthal Patricia Janet, former attorney-general of England and Wales; Professor Sheikha Abdulla al-Misnad, president of Qatar University; Dr Aisha al-Mannai, dean of Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies; and a number of academics, mediapersons, senior lawyers and other stakeholders.
“Like any place in the world, we have problems in Qatar and nobody can ignore this. HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s response to a question stressed that we do have a problem and admit so, but we look for the best solutions to address them. Accordingly, the fight against corruption is our course of action and we are considered among the best countries in this respect,” said HE Dr al-Marri.
Highlighting the importance of education in this regard, Professor al-Misnad said a culture of respecting the law should be fostered in schools. People have to feel secure and equal in front of the law. Similarly, Baroness Janet said people need to have confidence in the legal system and feel equal before it irrespective of their origin, race, colour, religion or economic status.
Meanwhile, HE Dr al-Marri emphasised that officials in all countries have to do something and help others. He said economic and social inequality provided a fertile ground for breeding terrorism and extremism.
Further, he said the strategic vision of Qatar was based on forming a strong state based on the independence of authorities. Impartial and fair justice is a main pillar of governance in Qatar, hence the creation of RLACC with the support of HH the Emir. Besides, it helps build a strong partnership with the United Nations to help countries combat terrorism.
Al-Khasawneh stressed the role of a strong, independent judiciary in fighting corruption in any country, allowing the vulnerable in the society to claim their rights. Otherwise, people would be easy prey for terror groups due to their disappointment with the system.
Calmy-Rey said the spread of corruption and terrorism are correlated. Extreme poverty resulting from unfair handling of wealth, abuse of human rights and political corruption would certainly lead to imbalance in the society, pushing the abused to the extremes.
HE Dr al-Marri heading yesterday’s seminar.
